§ 51. Mr. Moodyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of 10s. pension widows in the County Borough of Gateshead in receipt of National Assistance benefits; and what percentage that is of these widows.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance (Miss Edith Pitt)I regret that the information asked for is not available for particular localities.
§ Mr. MoodyIs the hon. Lady aware that the position in Gateshead is pretty 27 acute, and does she not think it is time that the whole problem of the 10s. widows should be looked at again in a more humane way than it is at present?
§ Miss PittWhile I am unable to give the number at Gateshead, figures have been obtained by the National Assistance Board, as a result of a sample, which show—and I hope this will be some comfort to the hon. Member—that only about 7 per cent. of the 10s. widows have resort to National Assistance, which is less than the proportion of other widows and other pensioners.